George Washington

February 22, 1732-December 14, 1799

Political Party: No party, Federalist beliefs

Two Terms: April 30, 1789 Westmoreland, VA - March 4, 1797 Mount Vernon, VA

Vice President Both Terms: John Adams

Bekah A.

Thematic Context
Washington revealed the America’s identity as a peaceful international country and a national power. Washington first showed international peace when he Proclaimed Neutrality in 1793 when American ally, France, was at war. He showed peace again when Jay’s Treaty 1795 removed British posts in the Northwest Territory. In 1794, Washington sent Anthony Wayne to make a third attempt to defeat the Native Americans under the leadership of Little Turtle, who were attempting to prevent white settlement of the Northwest Territory. This attempt was a success at The Battle of Fallen Timbers when the Native Americans were defeated and forced west. During the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, Washington’s no nonsense attitude became clear. Washington ordered 15,000 militiamen to search the fields of Pennsylvania for alcohol when farmers refused to pay the tax on liquor.
Thesis
Washington and his administration deserve a B+. Throughout both of hiss terms, he promoted peace and a passive military. Although some of his decisions had adverse consequences, he brought to light the United States’ new found identity as a peaceful country, not wanting international conflict, but an internally strong country that used force. This identity was very important to a new country with little established structure.
Presidential Goals
Washington had a goal to establish the beginnings of a government and that was respected by the United States and the world. Washington wanted to leave a standard of a morally sound and honest leader for future presidential administrations to live up to. He also willed the country to grow as a whole and move forward. Washington accomplished his goal of a morally sound president when he refused to accept a salary before congress urged him to accept it. When he set a limit of 2 terms in office when he denied the request to a third term, chose the Territory (District) of Columbia as the permanent place of government, and started the idea of a presidential cabinet, he truly showed the United States and world that he was a capable leader who could establish a government.
Congressional Relations
Washington fully respected congressional decisions. He did not try to influence its decisions on bills because he believed he must make decisions for the good of all Americans, and congress represented American interests. He respected congressional decisions so much that he did not veto any law that was brought before him. Washington did not conflict with the majority political party because there were no political parties while he was in office. Washington passed the bill of rights, and the revised law of naturalization. He also passed laws establishing federal oaths, the department of state and war and treasury, the federal court system, the US patent, the US census, US copyright, the Bank of the United States, the presidential succession and the United States Mint.
Most Impactful Outcomes
Washington’s declaration of neutrality had the most positive outcome because it prevented a substantial set back from a war that would have been fought with one ally and five enemies. The war of France against Britain, Sardinia, the Netherlands and Prussia in 1793 would have caused a detrimental blow to the United States had it gotten involved. Being a young country with no significant military, Washington was right to defy the alliance with France and save the country from extreme debt. The most negative outcome from one of Washington’s decisions resulted from Jay’s Treaty in 1795.The treaty removed would remove Great Britain’s posts from the Northwest Territory in exchange for the end of neutrality of the seas. This gave the British navy the right to search any American ships believed to be smuggling goods to the shore of British enemies. Britain took full advantage of the treaty and found contraband to be any good that could be useful including Englishmen who were now citizens of America. Men were taken from their ship and put into Britain’s navy.
Future Presidential Administrations’ Impact
The establishment of the Supreme Court, circuit and federal courts has influenced future presidential administrations greatly. The court keeps the administration in line with various checks and balances. They decide if a certain action of the government is constitutional or if the presidential administration is abiding by the laws set in place. The Supreme Court also acts as a final decision on all disputes not resolved in lower courts. The Attorney General acts as a legal representative of the government and advised Washington on various treaties and policies. Washington also chose the original judges of the court. The court still performs these duties today as the judicial branch.
Conclusion
The country was certainly better off at the end of George Washington’s term than the beginning. He earned a B+ for setting the United States off on the right foot by staying out of international conflict. His intelligence prevented the country from falling further into debt. Washington also successfully established a foundation for the federal government that helps the president make smart decisions by providing him with a cabinet to refer to as well as an attorney general and court to keep him honest.
Bibliography
DeGregorio, William A., and Sandra Stuart. "George Washington." The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents. 2008 ed. New York: Barricade Books , 2009. 1-15. Print.
"George Washington's First Inaugural Address summary." The Q&A wiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2012. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/George_Washington's_First_Inaugural_Address_summary>.
"George Washington." SparkNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2012. <http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/washington
"George Washington ." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., 1 Sept. 2012. Web. 2 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington#Constitution>.